Veteran playback singer Udit Narayan is facing severe backlash after a video of him kissing a female fan on the lips during a live concert went viral. The clip, which shows Narayan performing his hit song Tip Tip Barsa Paani, has sparked outrage, with many calling his actions inappropriate and non-consensual. As the controversy gained traction, old videos of the singer kissing other female celebrities, including Alka Yagnik and Shreya Ghoshal, resurfaced, further fuelling the debate.
In the viral video, Udit Narayan is seen interacting with fans during his performance. While most exchanges appear harmless, one moment stands out when a female fan leans in to kiss him on the cheek, but Narayan turns his head and kisses her on the lips instead. The fan’s shocked reaction has drawn widespread criticism, with many accusing the singer of crossing boundaries.
Social media users quickly dug up past instances of similar behaviour. One clip shows Narayan kissing Alka Yagnik on the cheek during an Indian Idol episode, leaving her visibly uncomfortable as she steps away. Another video captures him kissing Shreya Ghoshal on the cheek at an awards ceremony, with Shreya appearing surprised before awkwardly smiling. These clips have reignited discussions about the importance of consent and professionalism in the entertainment industry.
Udit Narayan, however, has defended his actions, calling them as acts of “pure affection.” In an interview with Hindustan Times, he said, “Fans are crazy. We are decent people, but some show their love this way. Why make a big deal out of it?” He further added, “My heart is pure. If people see something dirty in my actions, I feel sorry for them.”
Despite his explanation, the internet remains divided. While some fans have come to his defence, others have expressed disgust, calling his behaviour “unacceptable” and “disrespectful.” Comments like “Alka looked displeased. Stop this harassment, Udit!” and “Shreya clearly felt uncomfortable but laughed it off” have flooded social media platforms.
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Adding to the discourse, singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya defended Narayan, stating, “Udit is a superstar. Women chase him. He didn’t pull anyone close; they came to him.” However, this justification has done little to quell the criticism. The controversy has also raised questions about the timing of the video’s release, as the concert reportedly took place months ago. Narayan speculated that there might be “mischief mongers” behind the sudden viral attention, vowing that their attempts to tarnish his reputation would only make him rise higher.
As the debate continues, the incident has sparked a larger conversation about boundaries, consent, and the responsibility of public figures. While Narayan remains unapologetic, the backlash serves as a reminder that even acts of “affection” must respect personal space and consent.
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Vinay Kumar Sinha
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.